Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-03-25

| eye-lashes, and crisp, curly olack halr.
Her color came and went, so that one
moment her cheek was dappled with
red and the next clear brunette tint.
She had white teeth and pretty hands,
and knew by the way she looked at
m" that she had spirit; but / knew
al" that women are ignorant of law
anu thought that | could remember
her.
"Miss Middlebury said /.
eyes, sir" said she.
"Martin--of Martin, Grub 4 Co., -
said |, bowling.
Every much pleased to see you, Mr..
| Martini" said she. "I've often heard
papa speak of you"
MY dearest friend-one of them, at
least said /. "Your father is a man for
u daughter to be proud of, Miss Middle
bury"
Yes" said she, 81 suppose so. And
what did papa tell you to say to me?"
"My dear young lady," said l., ''do
you know that you are seriously Offend
ing your good papa?"
TO be seriously offended is pas nor
NAL condition." said she, $50 it don't
matter much"
"You are aware that made will in
your favor some time ago?" said |.
"And papa threatens 10 alter it il |
show any desire to please myself in any
thing" said Miss Matilda. Il presume
he sent you here To say so. He has said
it very often himself, very often, in
deed; and tell you, as | told him, that
money, though desirable. is nothing
when it stands IN the way OF the strong
est feelings of ones life. What is the
use of mincing matters: You know he
objects TO my marriage. but | am of age;
he is unreasonable. | intend To do as |
please. There's your answer"
MADAM" SAID |, my message from
your father is this: You are to return
home, under my escort, AT once"
"Perhaps shall refuse TO CO." said
she.
Madam" said /, II am prepared
for that"
And then brought in the legal no
cuspocus with which had armed my
self.
madam" said. !, Though of age, it
is necessary for you To show just cause
before you can refuse 10 return to pa
rents roof. Nine days are necessary
for Il quict-claim. Meanwhile you are
legally minor. Pen-ling your proof
before magistrate, | have authority to
arrest you and take you home. do so
in the name of the law. trust you will
not force me TO put handouts upon
lady's wrists or to call in four police
officers and lodge you in Jail all night;
bur, being under bonds 10 your father,
shall be obliged to do so il you resist;
otherwise. can offer you my arm, and
escort you, as II gentleman might, to
the railway station"
AS she listened, all the pretty red
color faded from Miss NATL las cheeks.
"What dreadful thing the law is"
she said Il had no idea such laws eX-
listed. Then | suppose | must go with
you. But I'm not baby. Show me
your proofs-your papers-whatever
gives you your right"
took from my pocket lease written
on parchment and tied with red tape.
"The warrant. madame" | said.
| turned over the edge of my waist
coat and exhibited the pin of the jolly
Good Fellows Club of which am
member.
"My badge of office, madam," | said.
She turned paler still; she sat down
and began to cry. Suddenly she wiped
her eyes.
May | write note TO tell somebody
why break an engagement" she
said. And before | 20 down To that
stupid hole where papa wants to bury
me, will you go with me to the dress.
maker's?"
Certainly" said. TO myself re-
marked: "She will plan TO escape at the
dressmakers. must watch her there
Miss Matilda wrote the note. She
sent il off before my eyes, and without
leaving the room, she called maid TO
bring her lace shawl and hat and veil.
"And my pearl colored gloves, Rose,'
she added. And, remember. pack
everything nicely
Then, having bidden good-by 10 her
weeping friend, who called her papa "a
brute" and who refused 10 be introduced
to me, we started OF. As we left the
house | watched her closely. There was
something in her face did not like, bu:
felt that | WAS master of tile situation.
"where does yonr dressmaker live?"
1 asked.
She gave me the address. Ii was not
a store-a fashionable set OF parlors in
street. There lay the danger, and |
knew il.
"Miss Matilda" said /, lyon will for
give me for reminding you that cannot
leave you even for moment
mo need TO remind me of that she
ans wered, in tone that was not, TO say
the least Of il, very complimentary.
We walked down the street together,
aud 1, as All elderly gentleman. felt that
I might offer her my arm. She was
capable, saw, of running away at any
moment, but size did not run. She
saunlrred slowly, staring at the shops
AS she went on, and making remarks